The leader of the German right, Friedrich Merz, future chancellor after his party's victory in the legislative elections, assured this Monday that Benjamin Netanyahu could travel to Germany, despite the arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC). At a press conference, Merz said: "I am committed that we will find a way for him to visit Germany and leave without being arrested."
Merz spoke after speaking on the phone with the Israeli prime minister, calling the conversation "warm." While he did not specify whether an official meeting was planned, the future chancellor stressed that the idea that an Israeli prime minister could not visit Germany was absurd. He also said he would invite Netanyahu for an official visit once his government is formed.
Benjamin Netanyahu is currently the subject of an ICC arrest warrant, issued in November 2024, for war crimes and crimes against humanity related to the events in Gaza. Israel has appealed the decision, which it considers “anti-Semitic” and “absurd.” Netanyahu has already thanked Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban for inviting him to Hungary despite the same arrest warrant.
Merz's support for Netanyahu comes as the ICC continues to face international criticism over its role in bringing charges against Israeli leaders.
